How to recognise a quality pre-owned iPhone — what to ask the seller

You can recognise a quality pre-owned iPhone by 5 things: (1) battery capacity 86–100% — ask to see Settings → Battery → Battery Health, (2) 2-year warranty (not just 6 or 12 months), (3) a thorough technical inspection with a certificate, (4) a genuine, non-blacklisted IMEI (check at apple.com/check-coverage), (5) a transparent condition grade (A/B/C) with photos of the actual unit. Avoid sellers without a physical store.

In this article

• Introduction
• Checklist: 8 things to find out before buying
• Red flags — when to walk away
• Why is iLoveServis a trustworthy seller?
• Where to buy a quality pre-owned iPhone?
• Conclusion

Introduction

Checklist: 8 things to find out before buying

• 1. Battery condition (Battery Health): The battery is the most important thing to ask about first. Apple iPhones show battery capacity as a percentage under Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging. This figure shows how much of the original battery capacity remains. * 85% and above: Excellent condition, safe to buy * 80–84%: Good condition, battery slightly worn * Below 80%: Apple recommends replacement; battery life may be noticeably shorter A reputable seller will always tell you the battery condition upfront or state it in the product description. On koupitiphone.cz, battery condition is stated transparently for every device.
• 2. IMEI check — verify the device's history: The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique identification number for every phone. Using the IMEI number you can verify whether a device: * Hasn't been reported lost or stolen * Isn't blocked by a carrier (the so-called blacklist) * Has a clean history with no record of theft You'll find the IMEI in Settings → General → About, or by dialling *#06# on the screen. Check it on sites such as imei.info or directly with your carrier. Every reputable seller will let you verify the IMEI before buying.
• 3. Warranty terms — what exactly is covered?: The warranty is a key indicator of how reputable a seller is. Find out: * How long is the warranty period? (2-year warranty at koupitiphone.cz) * What does the warranty cover? (Hardware faults, battery performance, screen?) * Where are warranty repairs carried out? (By the seller directly, or do you have to ship it abroad?) * Is the warranty confirmed in writing? (A verbal promise isn't enough) iloveServis runs 11 stores across the country, where warranty service can be handled in person and quickly. That's a major advantage over online sellers without a physical presence.
• 4. Returns and claims policy: By law, when buying from a business you're entitled to make a claim, and you have a 14-day right of return when buying via an online store. Check: * How quickly does the seller handle claims? (30 days is standard) * Can you return the phone within 30 days with no reason given? * Who pays postage for a claim? * Does the seller have physical stores where a claim can be handled in person?
• 5. Device origin and the refurbishment process: Ask where the devices come from and what the refurbishment process looks like. A reputable seller will be happy to explain: * Where the iPhones come from (leasing returns, corporate fleets, customer trade-ins)? * Which components are replaced during refurbishment? * Does the seller carry out the refurbishment themselves or use a third party? * Does the process include a factory reset and installing the latest iOS? iLoveServis carries out the entire refurbishment process with its own technicians in Czech workshops. Years of experience in the field means proven processes and quality standards.
• 6. Functional test before handover: If collecting in person, always test the device thoroughly. Check: * Screen: No dead pixels, marks, or touch-response issues * Face ID / Touch ID: Works correctly and quickly * Cameras: Front and back — no blurring, noise, or faults * Speakers and microphone: Clear sound with no crackling * Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile data — connect and test them * Buttons: All buttons work correctly * Charging: The connector works and the battery charges
• 7. Software condition — clean iOS with no faults: Verify that the device is: * Disconnected from the previous owner's iCloud (Activation Lock off) * Reset to factory settings * Running the latest version of iOS * Free of activation issues A device with Activation Lock still enabled (where the previous owner's iCloud is still signed in) is UNUSABLE — this is the most common trick used by fraudulent sellers in classified ads.
• 8. Physical condition — does it match the description?: Compare the device's actual condition against the description in the listing or on the product page: * Does the grade (A, A-, B) match the actual condition? * Are visible defects (scratches, cracks) disclosed upfront? * Is the screen a genuine Apple screen or a replacement? (Apple screens are always preferable)

Red flags — when to walk away

• Refuses to disclose the battery condition, or doesn't know it
• Won't allow you to verify the IMEI before buying
• Offers no written warranty at all
• The price is unbelievably low with no explanation
• The phone has the previous owner's iCloud still active
• The seller has no physical address or contact phone number
• Pressures you into a quick decision ("this price today only")
• The product photos are generic stock images, not the actual unit

Why is iLoveServis a trustworthy seller?

• Years of experience in the market:: We care about our reputation, not a one-off sale
• 11 physical stores:: Personal customer support across the country
• Years of experience in the market:: A proven track record of customer satisfaction
• Our own technicians:: We carry out refurbishment ourselves, not through a third party
• Transparent description:: Battery condition, grade, and all specs clearly stated
• Written warranty:: Every device comes with proof of the warranty period
• 30-day returns:: If you're not happy, you can return the phone with no fuss

Where to buy a quality pre-owned iPhone?

• A specialist store like koupitiphone.cz:: The safest choice — warranty, a vetted seller, transparent terms
• Classifieds sites (Aukro, Bazoš, Facebook Marketplace):: Lower prices, but no warranty, risk of fraud, no technical inspection
• Carriers and physical stores:: More expensive than a specialist store, but a warranty is standard

Conclusion

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